OPERATION RYPE: A WWII OSS Railway Sabotage Mission in Norway

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To prevent the Germans from transferring troops from Finland back to Germany via Norway during the final months of World War II, the US Office of Strategic Services launched Operation Rype -- a mission of sabotaging the Nordland Railway in mid-Norway. Rype was led by Major William E. Colby, later director of the CIA.

After several delays, the OSS Norwegian Special Operations Group (NORSO) parachuted into Norway on the night of March 24. Out of eight B-24s, only three dropped on target. Reinforcement and resupply of the unit often failed due to extreme Arctic conditions. Examines how the outcome of the operation was affected by the limitations of equipment in sub-Arctic conditions, British-American rivalry, and indifferent cooperation throughout the operation.